October 10, 2025

High Visibility Enforcement of our Traffic Safety Laws

Coming to the Mount Vernon Police District in August. 
 
In the month of August, officers from the Mount Vernon Police District  as well as motorcycle officers from the Operations Support Bureau will be actively patrolling the Mount Vernon District concentrating on traffic and pedestrian related infractions.
As a law enforcement agency, we do many different things to make our community safer.  Our goal during this enforcement effort is to identify and deter aggressive driving behavior while enhancing the safety of those traveling the Route One corridor both in vehicles and on foot.  On certain days in August, citizens might notice a significant presence of uniformed officers enforcing traffic laws and stopping pedestrians who improperly cross our roadways.
So remember, buckle up, drive defensively, obey all traffic laws, turn off or put electronic devices out of reach while driving, and make sure to look out for pedestrians. Pedestrians are also encouraged to do their part to enhance safety.
Resources:
From the Fairfax County Police youtube page:
From the Smooth Operator Program website:
From the Street Smart website – a DMV regional traffic safety campaign
Be Safe,
Greg
MPO Greg Kottemann
Fairfax County Police Department
Mount Vernon District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
703-360-8400 x 2275

Tax Time Scams

Hey there everyone,

Its tax time….so be very wary of the multiple scams out there.
Would you be interested in having a presentation on scams for your group? If so, please just send me an interest e-mail.
Also, don’t forget to sign up for the new Fairfax County Police News Blog!!  If you currently get the e-mailed “News Releases” they will be discontinued starting tomorrow.
As Maxwell would say – Don’t miss out on any pertinences and such!  – http://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/
Be Safe,
Greg
MPO Greg Kottemann
Fairfax County Police Department
Mount Vernon District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
703-360-8928

Don’t Fall For Massive Tax Scam

“Your driver’s license has been suspended. You will be arrested. You will be deported. We are on our way to your home right now.” These are just a few of the many threats that scammers are making against hundreds of Fairfax County residents over the past several weeks. Police warn the public NOT to fall prey to these scammers and to notify police of these criminal incidents.
These telephone scammers are described as demanding, aggressive, threatening, and easily angered when callers don’t immediately agree to their demands of “overdue tax balances.” Some complainants have described the suspect’s as having a heavy accent. Typically, callers demand between $4,000-$6,000 in immediate payment of unpaid tax bills. These scams are sophisticated and involve false names, numbers and “IRS” badge numbers. Suspects often continue to call and harass the recipient.
Police urge residents to:
Child Abducted; Suspect Arrested
Mount Vernon Police District – On Wednesday, March 26, at around 8:30 a.m., officers responded to the 8500 block of Highland Lane for a reported abduction.
A 12-year-old girl told police that a man grabbed her and pulled her into his apartment as she waited for her school bus inside the apartment building in the 7900 blk of Janna Lee Ave. The suspect allegedly grabbed her and touched her inappropriately. The victim was eventually able to break free and run to her bus. She did not require medical attention. The incident was reported to the police and school administrators immediately.
The victim provided a description of the suspect and investigating officers located him at an apartment in the 7900 block of Janna Lee Avenue.
The suspect was identified as 22-year-old, Walter Yomar Gomez-Lemus. He was arrested and transported to the Adult Detention Facility at the Mount Vernon District Station. Gomez-Lemus was charged with abduction with intent to defile and aggravated sexual battery.
Detectives would like to hear from anyone who might have information regarding this case, or any other case involving alleged child sexual exploitation.

 

Fairfax County Plan for Sherwood Hall Lane

Fairfax County Department of Transportation Sherwood Hall Lane Marking Plan

Reminder: Semi-Annual Assessments

Greetings,

With the upcoming spring semi-annual dues assessment approaching, we wanted to remind everyone that dues payments should be made to our property management company, Jeffrey Charles & Associates, Inc. Spring dues invoices will go out soon and will come from Jeffrey Charles & Associates.

Don’t throw those away; they are not junk mail!

Gum Springs Community Newsletter – February 2014

GUM SPRINGS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER February 2014

Area Residents Urged to Take Survey on Impact of Code Compliance

Community Town Hall to Discuss Resident Concerns with County Officials Set for February 6 

Jan. 6, 2014 – Annandale, VA – Mason District Council of Community Associations (MDC) is urging Fairfax County residents to take a ”code compliance feedback” survey.  The survey, available at www.masondistrict.org and open until January 28, 2014, seeks feedback on code compliance violations, impact upon quality of life and suggestions for improving the current code enforcement system.
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) is responsible for receiving complaints and enforcing zoning violations in Fairfax County. The Department investigates quality of life complaints in the County, including parking in the grass, junk in the yard, too many people living in a home, uncut grass, building without permits, and hoarding. It enforces zoning, property maintenance, building, blight, grass, fire and health codes all within in a single department.
Results of the survey will be released at MDC’s public meeting with County officials on February 6 at 7:30 pm at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, in Falls Church, VA. Invited panelists include: Director of Fairfax County Code Compliance, Jeff Blackford, Fairfax County Code Compliance Supervisor, Susan Epstein and Deputy County Executive, Robert Stalzer. The meeting is open to the public and will have a Q and A format and will encourage ideas exchanged among citizens and the panel.
“We have heard from countless residents who have voiced their frustration with code violations and the county’s enforcement capability. With our latestsurvey, we’re asking residents to help shed more light on the issues they see – and their suggestions for positive change,” said Mollie Loeffler, Chair, Mason District Council. “The Council is actively urging the Department of Code Compliance and elected officials to respond to citizen concerns and revise code enforcement procedures to dramatically improve outcomes.”
The survey currently being fielded is a follow-up to a 2012-2013 survey, for which more than 600 Mason residents participated and 67.4 % reported being concerned with overcrowding.
As of the end of 2013 Mason District had the highest number of open/unresolved multiple occupancy cases in the County followed by Providence and Lee Districts.
The Mason District Council (MDC) is a non-profit organization designed to act as a support network and communication forum for citizens, civic associations and homeowner associations within the Mason District in Fairfax County, Va. The organization is a branch of the Fairfax Federation of Citizen Associations. More than 4,000 households are represented through Civic and Homeowner Association membership in MDC.

www.masondistrict.org

Holiday Safety Message

Hello Everyone,

While a lot of this is from last year’s Holiday Safety message…..I thought it bared repeating. Help spread the word!!

SANTA’S RIDE 2013
As Christmas approaches, children everywhere will be watching the skies for Santa Claus. In Fairfax County some very special children won’t have to wait until Christmas Eve. Santa and his elves will be rumbling down the streets of Fairfax County on motorcycles to gather presents donated by our wonderful citizens.

The toys will be delivered by Santa and his helpers to children at INOVA Fairfax Hospital Child Life Center, Georgetown Hospital and the Lombardi Cancer Center. Toys will also go to various local charities including the Ronald McDonald House and the Reston F.I.S.H. (For Immediate Sympathetic Help).

Toy collection boxes should be delivered to Police District Stations Monday (11/25/2013) and Santa and his helpers will be by to collect all of these generous donations on 12/09/13. Anyone wishing to make a donation should bring a new, unwrapped toy, game, book, or other gift to the Mount Vernon Police station. All donations should be made before 9 a.m. Monday, December 9. You do not have to wait until the boxes are here….just drop off at the front desk and tell them they are for Santa’s Ride.

Location – Mount Vernon Governmental Center – 2511 Parkers Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306 http://binged.it/WioDDi (Lobby is open 24 hrs. a day)

Thank you all so much for your continued support of this program!

With the weather outside becoming frightening…..the criminals, they are delighting….in all the easy gifts and goodies they can steal! It’s that time of year again……the time to reiterate the importance of practicing good security habits to friends, family and neighbors.

At Home:

1. Always keep home and car doors locked at all times.
2. Keep everything merry and bright – Remember to keep you exterior home lights on all night. (Make sure they are off during the day)
3. Consider using timers on interior lights so you don’t come home to a dark house.
4. Do Not leave valuables in your vehicle – take them inside with you.
5. Keep garage doors closed and be sure the door from the garage into the home is locked. Don’t leave the garage door opener in the car parked in the driveway.
6. Always keep home and car doors locked at all times.
7. If you order gifts to be delivered to your home, ensure someone is there to accept the package. Have a trusted neighbor keep a lookout for the packages left by delivery companies. (See more on this below)
8. If you go out of town for the holidays, make sure you ask a trusted neighbor, friend or family member to check the house at least once a day and pick up mail and newspapers. Provide your contact number in case of emergency.
9. When trash time comes, do not advertise all the newest gadgets and gizmos which have recently arrived at your domicile. Make sure to break down boxes and conceal them from view – this includes computers, phone boxes, tablet and E-reader boxes, TV’s, DVD players, stereo systems, other electronics….and on and on.
10. Do not open your door to strangers.
11. Always keep home and car doors locked at all times.
12. Make sure to report suspicious or criminal behavior immediately to the appropriate police number

Emergency/Crime in Progress – 911 Suspicious Activity/Make a Crime Report – 703-691-2131

Safety When Out/Shopping

1. Shop during daylight hours whenever possible
2. Make a mental note of exactly where you park your car.
3. If shopping at night, park in well-lit areas. If parking during daytime to return at night, make sure the area will be lit when you return.
4. Carry keys, cash and credit cards separate from each other and be constantly paying attention to your surroundings.
5. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If possible, avoid carrying a purse. Use a fanny pack or deep pockets in clothing to carry what you need.
6. Limit the number of credit cards that you carry.
7. If you have to carry a purse, carry it close to your body and always zipped or snapped.
8. Be aware of strangers “accidentally” bumping into you. Pick-pockets use this as a diversion.
9. Avoid shopping until you are exhausted. You are more likely to sense trouble if alert.
10. When hurried or in a crowded shop, make sure you get all forms of identification and credit cards returned to you before you leave.
11. Leave the mall/store well before closing time. This way, there is a greater assurance you will walk out with other people. (safety in numbers)
12. If you are shopping outside your home city or county, make sure you have the non-emergency police contact numbers for that jurisdiction

Here are some of our local jurisdiction non-emergency numbers:
· Alexandria City, (VA) – 703-838-4444
· Arlington County Police (VA) – 703-558-2222
· Fairfax City (VA) – 703-385-7924
· Loudon County Sheriff’s Office (VA) – 703-777-0445
· Manassas City Police (VA) – 703-257-8000
· Montgomery County Police (MD) – 301-279-8000
· Prince George’s County Police (MD) – 301-336-8800
· Prince William County Police (VA) – 703-792-6500
· Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (VA) – 540-658-4450

Package Delivery – Protect from purloiners

Back in the day, if you got a package delivered to your home, it required the driver to leave the package with an actual person, unless they received permission in writing from the addressee to leave the package on the porch. With the advent of Internet shopping and other shipping increases, packages now just get left on doorsteps throughout the day.

I have seen hundreds even thousands of dollars of merchandise just sitting on front porches……these items are, more and more, becoming juicy targets of opportunity.

CD’s, DVD’s, TV’s, computers, furniture, iPods, iPhones, iPads…the list goes on and on, just sitting out there. I encourage anyone ordering items to be shipped to your home, make a plan to secure these items. The more success these thieves have in our community, the more they will return time and time again.

With most sellers sending shipping notification and tracking numbers, this makes planning for your deliveries much easier.

· You can make arraignments with a neighbor to be on the lookout for the delivery – give them the date and approximate time of delivery….this still leave the package exposed for a time however.

· Set up a or notification request with the shipper on their website and get real-time tracking information on your goodies (see below)

· You can contact the shipper and have them hold your package at their local shipping hub for personal pickup.

· Select an alternate shipping location (office/work) where it can be delivered directly to you or a staff member.

· Create a secure box or area in which your regular delivery person can place your package and lock it up.

I know this seems like a lot of effort, but it will pay off, not only in preventing a loss to yourself, but also protecting the entire community by making us a harder target to victimize.

Please help the Police Department and the Mount Vernon area to reduce this type of opportunity crime!!

Be Safe,

Greg

MPO Greg Kottemann
Crime Prevention Office
Mount Vernon District Station
Fairfax County Police Department
703-360-8928
gregory.kottemann@fairfaxcounty.gov

New Property Management Company

The MWMHOA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Jeffrey Charles and Associates of Alexandria to manage the financial and architectural review tasks for our association. Jeffrey Charles is a local property management services company who handles a number of homeowner associations in Alexandria, Old Town and the Springfield area that are comparable in size to MWM.

Beginning September 1, 2013, Jeffrey Charles will assume responsibility for our semi-annual HOA dues billing, collections, accounting and bill paying. Separate instructions will be provided regarding new payment procedures for the assessments. Additionally, the 2014 ARC home inspections will be conducted by Jeffrey Charles with oversight from ARC members. The MWMHOA Board will maintain a close working relationship with the staff of Jeffrey Charles to facilitate a smooth transition of the day-to-day financial management and ARC support.

While we will not have an increase in our upcoming October HOA dues, financial reviews and discussions are ongoing with regards to needed major capital improvements. The Board will address any possible future increases or special assessments at the MWMHOA Annual Meeting in March 2014.

The Mount Woodley Manor Board of Directors

Upcoming Transportation Improvments: You Choose

Fairfax County has identified roughly 200 transportation projects it would like to undertake, but only some of these projects will receive funding. It’s up to you to decide which projects receive attention, and which ones do not. Here’s a great opportunity to get involved and tell the county how you think traffic conditions can be improved in our area.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will kick off a series of four community meetings on the “Countywide Dialogue on Transportation.” The first meeting is in the southeast region the evening of Wednesday, October 30, and will be held in the cafeteria at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road. Maps and documents will be available to view starting at 6:30 pm, and a presentation with time for comments will begin at 7:00 pm.

Richmond Highway projects under consideration for funding include widening the road to a consistent six lanes from Mount Vernon Memorial Highway to Napper Road (Project #60) and from Armistead Road to I-95 (Project #61).

Pedestrian/bicycle projects being considered in our area include a walkway on Fort Hunt Road from Belle View Boulevard to Belle View Elementary School (Project #120), missing segments of trail along the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Project #154), and a walkway on Quander Road from West Potomac High School to Quander Elementary School (Project #165).

Projects which are already funded (mostly with federal funds) include several sidewalk segments, intersection pedestrian improvements along Richmond Highway, and a Bus Transit Center Study. The funded list also includes the Multimodal Transit Alternatives Analysis (a yearlong study by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation).

All citizens are invited to attend the meeting and submit comments, either in favor or against a project, or suggest other projects not currently on the list. Projects with the most public support will receive the most attention for funding.

To take the online survey, view the public meetings schedule, and learn more about the Countywide Dialogue on Transportation, please visit:http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/cdot/

Sincerely,
Edythe Kelleher, Executive Director
Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC)
(703) 360-5008
About SFDC
Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to promoting the redevelopment and revitalization of the Richmond Highway area from I-495 to Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia. SFDC keeps track of all major developments in our area, including commercial and transportation related projects. Stay up to date by visiting the “What’s Happening” section of our website at www.sfdc.org.

Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC)
6677 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, Virginia 22306
(703) 360-5008

Halloween Safety – Drivers watch out for the little ghosties and ghouls

Hello Everyone,

Some Halloween Safety tips/reminders……for motorist and Trick or Treaters.
The first two are Adobe .pdf files (flyers)…the third is a .jpg picture format, perhaps better for a newsletter or e-mail group.
Thanks & Be Safe,
Greg
MPO Greg Kottemann
Fairfax County Police Department
Mount Vernon District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
703-360-8928